James Neesham calls BCCI ‘Stupid’ for ruining IPL with 'Impact Player' rule
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New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham has made an eye-opening remark on the drawbacks of the 'Impact Player' rule in the IPL. The former Rajasthan Royals all-rounder claimed that the rule simply keeps youngsters away from improving in areas they lack, like fielding.
The Impact Player rule is a new rule that has been part of the IPL over the last couple of seasons. According to the rule, a player, according to the wish of the team management, can replace another player from the starting XI and can bat as well as bowl.
The first player might have finished his turn with the bat and is then substituted, which can give the teams the benefit of picking players based on circumstances in the game, much like football. However, one of the out-of-favor IPL cricketers feels this rule is harmful for the development of players.
James Neesham discredits the 'Impact Player' rule
New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham was once a regular pick in the playing XI for the Blackcaps, though he has been seriously out of favour recently. Also, the player who was once valued in global T20 leagues does not get much hype anymore.
Speaking to The Times of India, James Neesham opined about the recent Impact Player rule in the IPL. The Kiwi star feels that it is a stupid rule, as it limits the extent of training for a player since they are not assured whether they will get a chance to feature in the game.
"It's a stupid rule. It doesn't work in the IPL. I don't know why we still have it, to be honest. It stops players from being able to prepare properly for the game."
"You obviously can't ever get a proper training day before the game if you think you're not playing because there's a chance that you could have to be roped into the XI at the last minute. So, you can't really develop your game,” James Neesham told TOI.
"It disincentivizes players from working on parts of the game that they're not strong at" - James Neesham
In James Neesham's opinion, players who might have some loose ends, especially on the field, do not intend to tighten them up, as they have the feeling in their head that they can be substituted after having done their part with the bat or the ball.
"It disincentivizes players from working on parts of the game that they're not strong at. It means you can be a terrible fielder, and it doesn't matter. So, I think overall, it's a crap rule. Hopefully, it's gone soon," Neesham continued.
Jimmy Neesham, as an all-rounder, prioritizes all sections of the game, and fielding is a very essential thing in the game of cricket. Hence, he seemed disappointed that if someone is a crap fielder, they might simply not be taken under consideration due to this rule.
"For example, if you're a young cricketer coming through, why would you work on your fielding? Because if you're a crap fielder, you just don't field. You just go off the field. It's stupid," Neesham concluded.
James Neesham's IPL Career
Neesham, the seasoned New Zealand all-rounder, made his debut for the Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) back in 2014 and after that returned to play for Punjab Kings in 2020.
He played for the Mumbai Indians in 2021 and then went on to play for the Rajasthan Royals as his last franchise in 2022; since then, he has remained unsold in IPL auctions.
This season, James Neesham categorized him under the 1.5 crore belt, but he was snubbed when the players were shortlisted for the final draft.
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